WCC News: WCC condemns Uganda school attack

Photo: Albin Hillert 19 June 2023 Nearly 40 pupils have been killed at a school in western Uganda  when five militants attacked the Lhubiriha secondary school in Mpondwe at around 23:30 (20:30 GMT) on Friday. They entered dormitories, setting fire and using machetes to kill and maim the pupils, officials said. The attack on the school, located less than 2km (1.25 miles) from Congolese border, is the first such attack on a Ugandan school in 25 years. “The WCC joins with the churches and all people of good will in Uganda and around the world in condemning this abhorrent act, in commiserating with the families and communities affected, and in praying for the healing of the wounded children and families,” said Pillay. The suffering of the people of the western regions of Uganda has gone beyond the limits of understanding, Pillay continued. “This atrocity against innocent schoolchildren piles yet more unbearable pain upon pain. The WCCcalls on the government of Uganda to act decisively in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book.” WCC member churches in Uganda See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland